He Who Fights with Monsters, #1
He Who Fights with Monsters
by Shirtaloon
Contents
50. The Full Keanu
Overview
Rufus confirms Jason’s progress in body control, warns that technique is only a tool, then oversees Jason consuming the legendary Way of the Reaper skill book. Jason endures intense strain and collapses.
In Old City’s Fortress, Sophie brutally defeats the Queen of Thorns. Clarissa leverages Sophie to provoke Cole Silva, while Lucian Lamprey quietly tracks events, escalating underworld tensions.
Summary
Rufus pressure-tests Jason with staff attacks, confirming Jason’s improved balance and body control from recent training. Before granting the massive martial-arts skill book, Rufus explains that it imparts technique, not fighting instinct, and that only experience will convert form into function. Jason steadies himself to use the book.
Jason activates the legendary Way of the Reaper: Five Forms I. Golden runes pour from the tome, surrounding and searing into Jason as Rufus and Farrah warn that endurance affects knowledge retention. Jason grits through the pain, stays conscious until the final runes sink in, then vomits and collapses.
Meanwhile, in the Fortress fighting pits, Sophie Wexler (the Nightingale) faces the Queen of Thorns, whose conjured thorn whip controls the cage. Sophie baits an entanglement, reverses it into a choke, then overwhelms the Queen with brutal slams until the opponent goes limp, winning the bout.
In separate viewing boxes, Cole Silva fumes as Sophie remains beyond his reach under Clarissa Ventress. Clarissa, pleased at provoking Cole, dismisses Belinda’s protests, insisting Sophie must survive her chosen provocations. Darnell’s presence curbs Belinda’s anger, and she goes to tend Sophie.
Elsewhere, Lucian Lamprey, the powerful Magic Society director, watches with interest. Outside his box, Cassowary Finn steels himself to report after failing to uncover the Nightingale’s identity, signaling looming interference from the city’s arcane authority.
Who Appears
- Jason AsanoUndergoes a skill book ritual for the Way of the Reaper after body-control training; endures pain and collapses.
- RufusTests Jason’s control, explains limits of skill books, supervises the ritual, and guides Jason’s martial development.
- Sophie Wexler (Nightingale)Wins a brutal cage match against the Queen of Thorns by reversing a whip entanglement and disabling her opponent.
- Clarissa VentressCrime boss using Sophie’s fights to provoke Cole Silva; rebuffs Belinda and relies on bodyguard Darnell.
- Cole SilvaIncensed crime lord watching Sophie slip from his grasp under Clarissa’s protection and schemes.
- BelindaSophie’s friend who confronts Clarissa about endangering Sophie, then leaves to tend Sophie’s injuries.
- Lucian LampreyMagic Society director observing the match, indicating high-level interest in Sophie and Old City tensions.
- GaryTeases Jason and jokes about the training; encourages him during the arduous skill book process.
- FarrahAdvises Jason to meditate for focus and explains the strain of using powerful skill books.
- JoryClinician who witnesses the ritual, worries about safety, and admonishes chaos in the yard.
- Queen of ThornsOpponent wielding a conjured thorn whip; briefly ensnares Sophie before being overpowered and incapacitated.
- DarnellClarissa’s imposing leonid bodyguard whose presence silences Belinda’s anger.
- Cassowary FinnAide to Lucian Lamprey, nervously approaching after failing to uncover the Nightingale’s identity.